Woods Crampton Barossa Valley Shiraz 2016

What began as a yearly diversion for label designer Aaron Woods and marketer Nicholas Crampton has grown into almost a full time obsession, with a range of wines from the Barossa and Eden Valley spanning five varieties and numerous styles. The ambition of Woods Crampton is to create unforced wines that showcase the quality of their fruit and tell the story of their vineyards. Minimal intervention winemaking follows to create elegant and expressive wines.

It encapsulates our vision for contemporary Barossa shiraz – intensity of flavour matched with freshness and fine tannins. We use hands-off winemaking techniques more often associated with pinot noir to create this wine’s combination of complexity, character and drinkability. Six For The Weekend: Great Value Shiraz; Halliday Wine Companion

Wonderfully flavoursome and instantly attractive, the bouquet show blackberry, blueberry, vanilla and cedar characters with nuances of black olive and violet. It is rich, delectable and velvety on the palate, and offers loads of delicious flavours. The wine is fleshy and supple, and finishes superbly long and tasty. Rating: 94 Points; Sam Kim; Wine Orbit

Cold soaked at 8 degrees for 5 days in small 2-tonne open fermenters, hand-plunged, matured for 9 months in oak of various sizes (30% new). Has very good attack to its lively mouthfeel, with black fruits, licorice and pepper darting in every direction. It's very catchy and juicy and savoury. Drink to: 2031; Price: $21.00; Date Tasted: June 2017; Alcohol: 14.5%; Rating: 93 Points; James Halliday; James Halliday Wine Companion

I note with some interest that these wines from Woods Crampton seem to be getting more ‘natural’ in feel to my tastes...It’s a little cloudy, but has great colour. Spice, boysenberry, almost a gin botanicals perfume too, brown bread and chocolate wrappers. Medium bodied, fresh and perky, bright crushed berry flavour and spice, beautiful lightly furry tannin, settled acidity, and an aromatic and commanding finish of fine length. This has drinkability, value and complexity all sewn up. Strong recommendation. Price: $21; Closure: Screwcap; Drink: 2017-2024; Rated: 93 Points; Gary Walsh; The Wine Front

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